The discussion is in line with the theme for this year's IWD celebration: "Be bold for Change," and will feature theologian Professor Mercy Oduyoye, Dr Angela Dwamena- Aboagye, Ms Roslyn Mould and Ms Kauthar Khamis, and moderated by radio presenter, feminist writer and actress Nana Akosua Hanson.

A statement issued to the GNA on Wednesday said the African continent was experiencing an upsurge of religious fundamentalist organisations in the two major religions of Islam and Christianity, which in turn had significant social, religious, political and economic consequences on the rights and lives of women and girls and many socially or economically marginalised groups.

“At the same time, the recognition of the importance of achieving the full implementation of women's rights has permeated many sections of society, across the globe.  “In a continent such as Africa, with a history of potent and pervasive faiths and belief systems, many feminists actively practice faith-based traditions within organised religions such as Islam and Christianity, while others practice African traditional worship, alternative spiritualties or none at all.”

The Panel is expected to explore how faith can and has mobilised women into movements advocating and sustaining their rights, equality and social justice; and conversely how rising religious fundamentalisms turn individuals, communities and even government policy makers against equality and women's rights.

Speaking across three generations, the panellists will offer insights into the political impact of religious institutions as well as a feminist take on theology and religious teachings, which shape personal faith.

Jessica Horn, AWDF Director of Programmes noted that the international Women's Day offered an opportunity to focus on one of the most important political agendas of our time: the achievement of full equality and rights for women, in all diversities.

“The African continent is home to rich, long and varied histories of African feminist thinking, women's rights activism and movement building.     On March 8, we celebrate this powerful insight and activist energy with a discussion on a pressing issue for contemporary Africa: the gendered realities of religions and faith," she stated.

 The AWDF is a feminist, pan African grant making foundation based in Ghana.

 Through its work, AWDF has successfully countered stereotypical images of African women as helpless victims and promoted the reality of African women as active agents of change.  Through grant making, institutional capacity building, advocacy and innovative programming, AWDF supports African women's rights organisations and movements across the continent.

In doing so, AWDF has emerged as a leading voice in civil society with a history of successful and effective collaborations and partnerships critical to advancing women's rights in Africa.  Since its inception, AWDF has supported more than 1,300 women's organisations in 42 countries with grants amounting to more than  $30,000,000.00.

AWDF has recently joined forces with three other women's funds to create the "Leading from the South" initiative, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.  The three organisations, Fondo Mujeres del Sur, South Asia Women's Fund and International Indigenous Women's Forum, together with AWDF will provide support to women's organisations, groups and movements around the world to lobby and advocate for their rights. The funding initiative will run from 2017-2020.